Bents together again as Charlton go for Marcus

Charlton were closing in last night on their first transfer-window signing after agreeing a £2.5m deal with Everton to take the striker Marcus Bent to The Valley. Alan Curbishley has been tracking the 27-year-old for some time as he looks to import a front partner for Darren Bent, the England squad man who played alongside his namesake at Ipswich.

The former Brentford trainee has had limited opportunities at Goodison Park this season, having scored only one goal. A medical and the agreement of personal terms are seen as a formality by Charlton.

Duncan Ferguson will see out the final six months of his contract at Everton after rejecting the chance to join Portsmouth's fight for Premiership survival. The two clubs were embroiled in a bitter dispute after the former Scotland striker became aware of Harry Redknapp's interest in offering him an 18-month contract at Fratton Park in the build-up to Saturday's league meeting between the sides. Everton would have demanded a fee, such was their irritation at Portsmouth's approach, but Ferguson wants to stay on Merseyside.

"I was aware of the interest from Portsmouth," said Ferguson, who missed the trip south because of illness. "But I do not want to leave. I am happy at Everton, as I have been for the 10 years I have been at the club, and my intention is to see out the rest of my contract here."

Another likely to leave Everton is the centre-half Per Kroldrup, who has played one game since his £5m move from Udinese. Schalke 04 are competing with Livorno and Udinese to sign him for £3.5m.